Don't Be Late: Pay Attention to the Deadline and Significance of Zakat Fitrah Before Eid al-Fitr
As Eid al-Fitr approaches, Muslims are reminded to promptly fulfil their obligation to pay zakat fitrah. As an act of worship that serves to purify oneself after a full month of fasting, paying zakat fitrah on time is a crucial aspect to ensure that the act of worship is valid according to Islamic jurisprudence.
Zakat fitrah is obligatory for every Muslim, both male and female, adult and children, as long as they have surplus beyond their basic needs. This obligation is based on a hadith reported by Imams Bukhari and Muslim, when the Prophet Muhammad required zakat fitrah to be paid as one sa’ of dates or wheat, and ordered it to be paid before the performance of the Eid prayer.
Ahmad Juwaini, chairman of the Dompet Dhuafa Foundation, emphasises the importance of public understanding regarding this time limit so that the obligation is not missed. “Zakat fitrah has a time that has been set by Islamic law. The best time to pay it is before the performance of the Eid prayer, so that the zakat can be immediately used by the recipients to meet their needs on Eid day,” said Ahmad Juwaini.
Beyond serving as a discharge of individual obligation, zakat fitrah carries a strong social mission. Ahmad Juwaini explained that its primary purpose is to help vulnerable groups so that they can celebrate the day of victory appropriately. “Zakat fitrah is not only an individual obligation, but also has a strong social dimension. Through zakat fitrah, Muslims are invited to ensure that their brothers and sisters in need can also feel happiness on Eid al-Fitr,” he explained.
Spiritually, this zakat also functions as a purification for those who fast from any deficiency whilst observing worship during Ramadan.
To ensure more organised and targeted distribution, the public is encouraged to channel zakat through official institutions. Dompet Dhuafa, which has been operating for more than three decades, now provides digital services to make it easier for people to fulfil their obligations practically and on time.
With professional management, zakat funds are expected to be promptly distributed to recipients in various regions of Indonesia before the takbir of victory rings out.